Statement by Assistant
to the President for Press Relations Fitzwater on the Senate Action Banning the
Sale of Certain Arms to Kuwait

July 8, 1988

The
President is dismayed at the precipitate action taken by the Senate yesterday
evening banning the sale of Maverick D&G missiles to Kuwait. These missiles are an
integral part of the pending $2 billion sale of F - 18 aircraft to Kuwait. The Senate action,
taken in a matter of minutes without the benefit of committee hearings or
deliberation, is unfortunate and damaging to U.S. foreign policy
interests.

Kuwait is a moderate state
that has stood fast in the face of threats and intimidation to its security and
survival. It has actively supported our efforts, diplomatic and military, in
the Gulf region. A stable, secure Kuwait serves the national
security interest of the United States. Kuwait has come to the United States and asked, as a friend,
for the legitimate and necessary tools to provide for its own defense and to
share with us the defense of the vital Persian Gulf. Congress has
repeatedly asked what the Gulf States are doing for their own
defense. Kuwait has answered that they
wish to do more and have indicated their preference to work with us in doing
so, yet some in the Senate apparently wish to reject this request and have Kuwait turn elsewhere.

The
Kuwaiti request for F - 18's and the weapons that normally go with them
deserves serious consideration by the Senate. The administration stands ready
to work with Congress during the remaining weeks of the formal notification
period in its examination of this sale. We would welcome Senate hearings to
explore the implications and justification for the sale and to consult fully
with the Congress on this critical issue.